Thursday, January 24, 2008
Dear Dr. Fox:
You often address the issue of introducing animals to a household. In 25 years, we have had one dog and five cats without any introduction issues.
When my husband and I were married, I brought a new kitten into his condo to live with his 8-year-old grouch of a cat. This cat had issues with animals and people alike.
We bathed both cats simultaneously with the same shampoo. About an hour after the baths, we found our grumpy cat licking the kitten dry. They never had a problem. As we introduced two new kittens over the years, we would bathe all of the cats with the same shampoo, and the new babies were accepted without problems. It has to be done so they all come out wet at the same time, smelling the same.
Three years ago, we brought in a rambunctious Westie pup to live with our 12-year-old and 3-year-old cats. We bathed the cats first and then bathed the puppy. The cats accepted him with no stress, fights or soiling, fast friends from the onset. I hope this helps your readers.
M.
Virginia Beach
Thanks for your intriguing and important discovery. Animal behavior consultants and vets, take note!
Your discovery is not unlike what some farmers would do in the old days to get a cow or sheep to accept an orphan -- rub the orphan in a little of the foster mother's urine. Making the scent of the strange animal similar to that of the resident foster mother helped the bonding and acceptance process.
For many years, I've advised applying the same kind of perfume or after-shave one wears regularly to the resident animal and the newcomer to facilitate the acceptance of new cats and dogs into the home.
Dear Dr. Fox:
I have a 3-year-old rat terrier named Zoe. The first owner could not keep her and took her to the SPCA, where a second owner adopted her. I am the third owner.
My problem is that she does not like men. My son lives with me, and the dog barks at him every time he walks through the house. He works during the day, so we have peace then. My son has never done anything wrong to the dog; he likes dogs but can't get close to this one. I am 85 years old. Zoe is very affectionate with me and with female friends.
S.S.
Norfolk
Dogs (and cats, too) often develop a phobia of men if they have been raised by women, and vice versa. Sometimes they have been abused or scared by a man or a child, and will not trust men or children as a consequence of an emotionally traumatic experience.
Your son should try bonding with your little dog by taking her for walks (fit her with a harness, because she might pull out of a collar). Have the dog sit on your lap and brush her, getting her relaxed while your son sits beside you. Pass the brush to your son and comfort and reassure your dog that it's okay for her to be groomed by your son. Also, try this with treats. You and your son should take turns giving the dog a favorite treat. You can even try switching clothes with your son (an evening overcoat will do) and have him put on whatever cologne or deodorant you might use. Have your son lie down on the living-room floor, then on your bed. A few repetitions of this theatrical behavior modification might help your dog realize that she has nothing to fear from your son.
Dear Dr. Fox:
In one of your recent columns, you mentioned that "tuna fish prepared for humans" should not be given to cats. I later read in Parade magazine that tuna fish was listed as one of 20 foods never to give to a pet.
I have a cat that likes about a teaspoon of tuna at lunch and eats all of his dry cat food every day. What is the problem with tuna? The articles I've read never explain it.
W.D.T.
Crescent, N.Y.
You can't always believe what you read, especially when an article on pet food unconditionally endorses all pet foods -- dry food for cats, in particular.
A teaspoon of canned fish (such as mackerel, pilchard, wild salmon or sardines) can be given as a treat every three or four days. Or use some cooked fresh fish, instead.
Tuna is risky because of the high mercury content, and farmed salmon is questionable because of dioxin and PCB contamination.
Stop fish treats if the cat refuses to eat regular food; some cats do become fish addicts. Others can be allergic and vomit, have diarrhea and develop skin problems. Domestic cats originated in the Libyan desert, so it is not natural for them to process fish as part of their regular diet.
Michael W. Fox, author of a newsletter and books on animal care, welfare and rights, is a veterinarian with doctoral degrees in medicine and animal behavior. More pet care information is available at Dr. Fox's Web site,http://www.doctormwfox.org. Write to Dr. Fox at United Feature Syndicate, 200 Madison Ave., New York, N.Y. 10016.
Copyright 2008, United Feature Syndicate Inc.
View all comments that have been posted about this article.